Matching
their male compatriots, the French ladies won the Women’s Cup courtesy of
Blandine Dufrene (Gas Gas); Audrey Rossat (Gas Gas); and Ludivine Puy (Gas
Gas). Runners-up in this category were the USA, their team included Kerrie
Swartz (KTM); Nicole Bradford (KTM); and Amanda Mastin (Yamaha). Sweden
secured third place due to the performances of Camilla Mitkiewicz (KTM); Vanja
Kollman (KTM); and Jessika Jonsson (KTM).

DAY SIX - 2010 ISDE ORGANISERS CANCEL FINAL DAY

The organising committee of the eighty-fifth FIM International Six Days
Enduro has decided to cancel the final day of the competition, a decision that
has been fully supported by the FIM Jury.

No one involved in the event has been effected in anyway by the actions
that occurred in the region overnight. These actions were in no way connected
to the event and took place some considerable distance from the host city of
Morelia.

The decision has been taken to ensure the safety and security of all
persons involved with the event and of the spectators due to watch the final
motocross test.

Results as of the end of day five, most of which were already clear and
decisive, will now be declared as the final official results of the
eighty-fifth edition of the FIM International Six Days Enduro.

The prize giving ceremony will take place as originally planned this
evening in the city of Morelia.

DAY SIX - FIM AND 2010 ISDE ORGANISER STATEMENTS

FIM Sports Director - Ignacio Verneda and President of the 2010 ISDE
Organising Committee - Luis Otero have now issued the following statements
about the earlier decision to cancel the final day of the eighty-fifth edition
of the FIM International Six Days Enduro.

Ignacio Verneda stated: “Firstly I would like to congratulate the
organising committee on delivering an excellent sporting event, which has
reflected a good image of the discipline of enduro. After five days of such a
good competition, I am happy with the decision that has been taken by the
organising committee and the FIM Jury.”

“This is 100% the correct decision, as in all cases the security and
safety of everyone involved with the event is the most important
consideration. Although the risk was only very minimal, we prefer not to take
any risk at all. In all cases the decision has been well accepted by the
riders, the teams and all those associated with the event.”

Luis Otero stated: “The organising committee are extremely sad about this
situation, as so far we have enjoyed a fantastic competition. From the start
our philosophy was to have fun and for five days everyone has had incredible
fun. However due to circumstances beyond our control we have now taken the
difficult, but correct decision to cancel the final day.”

“Everyone has seen the steps we have taken to safeguard the security of
this magnificent event and in no way do we want to jeopardise the smiles that
everyone have been wearing on their faces this week. Our main goal has been
the security of the riders in the hills, but now the priority is for the
authorities to provide security for all the people in the region.”

Last day of ISDE Mexico cancelled; results after Day Five
stand as final

Officials from FIM and the organizing committed of the 85th Editions of the
ISDE in Morelia Mexico, cancelled the final day of the six days of Enduro
competition after safety issues arose.

Motorcycling Sports Director - Ignacio Verneda and President of the 2010
ISDE Organizing Committee - Luis Otero made the following statements about
their decision.

Ignacio Verneda: "This is 100% the correct decision, as in all cases
the security and safety of everyone involved with the event is the most
important consideration…. Although the risk was only very minimal, we prefer
not to take any risk at all. In all cases the decision has been well accepted
by the riders, the teams and all those associated with the event."

Luis Otero: "The organizing committee is extremely sad about this
situation, as so far we have enjoyed a fantastic competition. From the start
our philosophy was to have fun and for five days everyone has had incredible
fun. However due to circumstances beyond our control we have now taken the
difficult, but correct decision to cancel the final day……Our main goal has
been the security of the riders in the hills, but now the priority is for the
authorities to provide security for all the people in the region."

The competition therefore draws to a close in the 85th Edition of the ISDE
with KTM's Johnny Aubert the outstanding rider of the event. He was the clear
winner in the E2 class and made a major contribution to France retaining the
prestigious World Trophy together with his teammates Nicolas Deparrois,
Sebastien Guillaume, Antoine Meo, Rodrig Thain and Christophe Nambotin.

Spain was victorious in the Junior Trophy with two key KTM riders in
Lorenzo Santolino and Mario Roman as well as Victor Guerrero and Oriol Mena.
KTM rider Henrik Lindholm was part of the Sweden team that was second while
Ian Blythe and Cory Buttrick (both KTM) were in the third placed USA team.

France also won the Women's Cup while USA with KTM riders Kerrie Swartz and
Nicole Bradford (KTM) was second. Sweden was third with a three woman KTM
lineup in Camilla Mitkiewicz, Vanja Kollman and Jessika Jonsson (KTM).

KTM Spain was also pleased to have its supported rider Aaron Bernadez win
the KTM toughest Club Rider title. Jonas Karlsson of Sweden was second
followed by American Andrew Delong.

E1
& E3 class success for Husqvarna at 85th ISDE

CH Racing Husqvarna team riders Antoine Meo, Sebastien Guillaume, Alex
Salvini, Giacomo Redondi and Juha Salminen have secured exceptional results at
the 85th FIM International Six Days Enduro held in Morelia, Mexico, where Meo
(TE250) and Guillaume (WR300) claimed victory in the Enduro 1 and Enduro 3
classes respectively. Adding to Husqvarna's success is the fact that Alex
Salvini (TE250) placed third in the E1 class while team newcomer and ISDE
first timer Giacomo Redondi finished eighth aboard his WR125. In the Enduro 2
class Juha Salminen (TE499) placed a strong second, ensuring four podium
finishes for Husqvarna.

As Enduro 1 World Champion Antoine Meo arrived in Mexico looking to
continue his winning ways in '10 and despite finishing second in class at the
end of the opening day's competition showed that he was going to be a force to
be reckoned with in Morelia. Jumping to the top of his class on day two the
French Trophy team rider then won the Enduro 1 class on days two, three, four
and five. Amassing a sizeable 36-second winning advantage, Antoine performed
faultlessly throughout the week to claim a well-deserved victory.

Competing aboard a 250cc four-stroke machine for the first time this
season, as well as in his first international enduro event of '10, Alex
Salvini delivered one of the standout performances in the E1 category. Proving
himself to be every bit as fast and consistent as his more experienced class
mates, Alex placed third on each of the opening three days before claiming his
highest finish of the event with a runner-up result behind team-mate Meo on
day four. Despite dropping to fifth on day five Salvini claimed a
well-deserved third overall result in the E1 class.

Completing a hat-trick of impressive results for Husqvarna in the Enduro 1
class was team newcomer Giacomo Redondi. Competing in his first ever ISDE, and
as a member of the Italian Junior Trophy team, Redondi excelled throughout the
week to finish as the best placed 125cc E1 class rider having not once
finished outside of the top 10. With his best result coming on days two and
five, where he finished eighth, Giacomo showed that he will be a force to be
reckoned with during the '11 Enduro Junior World Championship.

Competing in an ISDE event aboard Husqvarna's new TE449 machine for the
first time Finnish Trophy Team competitor Juha Salminen enjoyed a productive
week, one in which the former seven-time World Champion placed runner-up in
the Enduro 2 class. Enjoying a trouble free event like all Husqvarna riders
Juha placed sixth in class on day one before then finishing third at the end
of the remaining four days.

With Antoine Meo delivering four-stroke powered success for Husqvarna in
the Enduro 1 class Seb Guillaume topped the Enduro 3 category aboard his 300cc
two-stroke. Making a steady start to the competition and placing second on day
one, it didn't take Seb long to work his way to the top of his class. E3
winner on days two and three, Seb finished behind countryman Christophe
Nambotin on days four and five but maintained his position as the dominant
rider in E3, finishing an eventual 33 seconds ahead of his nearest challenger
Oriol Mena from Spain.

Antoine Meo - Enduro 1: 'It's been a very good race for me, and all
the French Trophy Team made a good job. It has been a fantastic experience and
we had a great atmosphere inside the team, which really helped us. My bike
performed really well, as I was afraid some days because there were a lot of
rocks. It is a good end to a perfect season for me - I am world champion, I
won my class at the ISDE and the French team are also Trophy Team champions,
too. This year has been incredible and a great experience. Although we have
lost the final day, I think it was the correct option, as we all must stay
safe. It's been a fantastic event.'

Alex Salvini - Enduro 1: 'The race was really good for me, I didn't
believe that I could be so competitive in the E1 class as I had only ridden
the bike three times before coming to Mexico. The race was tough so I was
really surprised how well it went for me. It was fun to fight with Antoine and
Eero as these guys are the best in the world in this class, it was exciting to
be up against them. Both on paper and in the race France were the best team,
but the conditions were good for the Italian riders, too. All the team tried
their best, and so did I, my only disappointment is that I did not manage to
win a day. But I was close. This was a good place for me to show my potential,
now I am stronger in the mind and I am ready for the Enduro World Championship
next year.'

Giacomo Redondi - Enduro 1: 'It's been a fantastic experience for
me. I joined the CH Racing Husqvarna team just one month ago so to finish
eighth in my first ISDE is amazing. I am really happy with my result and
enjoyed the race. Also, finishing as the first 125cc rider in the E1 class is
very special for me. I didn't have any problems during the event, and the only
crashes I had were away from the special tests. Next year I will race in the
Enduro Junior class in the World Championship, so this result has really
helped my confidence. It's been a fantastic experience.'

Juha Salminen - Enduro 2: 'I'm pretty happy with everything - my
riding went well, which is the most important thing. Towards the end of the
week we made some changes on the bike, and it did help as the results show. I
am happy because I made no big mistakes, just one crash on Monday, and for the
rest of the time I was pretty much pushing to the limit without any other
problems. So it has been a good six days for me. It was dry and dusty, there
were a few small problems with the dust, but generally it has been a good
event. But not an easy one. The days were rough and long, and about the right
level for this event. It was a shame for the event to finish in this way
because it has been a good week.'

Seb Guillaume - Enduro 3: 'It's great to win the Enduro 3 class, a
fantastic end to the season. I had a few small problems on the first day but
after that things went really well for me, and the French Trophy Team. The
terrain was extremely dry and really challenging but I really liked it. Of
course all of the French riders were looking forward to the final day
motocross races, but we all fully understand why the day was cancelled. It's
been a great event and I'm really proud to be a part of the winning French
team, and to have won the E3 class for Husqvarna.'

Husaberg
and Oriol Mena Junior success

For the second time in two years Husaberg Factory Team
rider Oriol Mena has helped Spain claim the top spot in the Junior
Trophy team competition at the International Six Days Enduro

Confident that he and his fellow team riders would be
able to repeat their ’09 success, once the event got underway it was
clear that Spain’s junior team were going to be extremely hard to
beat. Claiming a deserved Junior Trophy victory Oriol was understandably
pleased to have played a key role in the winning team’s performance.
But as well as helping Spain top the Junior Trophy category Oriol also
produced s ome highly impressive results in the Enduro 3 class. Topping
the class on day one, he then battled hard against experienced E3
campaigners Seb Guillaume and Christophe Nambotin and ended the event a
deserved runner-up in the E3 class.

“I’m incredibly happy,” commented Oriol after
the event. “This is the first time I have been on the podium in an
individual capacity class at the six days, and it’s a very special
feeling. Also, helping Spain win the Junior Trophy competition is
exactly what I wanted to do. On the first day I made a good race, and
then each day after that I was able to keep riding well, although I wasn’t
quite able to win. I am very happy – my bike was perfect and so was
the team. This is the first time I have been close to the top riders, I
liked the terrain very much and I was very relaxed. The first two days
were very close and even after days three and four I was still close to
the lead. On day five I took it easy, because I had to think about the
Spanish team’s position.”

Another Husaberg Factory Team rider to enjoy good
results in Mexico was Swedish Junior Trophy rider Calle Sjoo. With
Sweden having failed to get their junior team on the podium since 1999
their second placed result in Mexico gave all involved in the team
effort much to celebrate. Despite the fact that Calle’s bike didn’t
arrive in Morelia until the 11th hour he completed the event with no
major troubles, but like most riders was feeling more than a little
second hand come the finish.

“Mexico has been fun,” enthused Calle. “It’s
been a good six days, well organised and I’ve enjoyed it. I had a few
problems on the first day, but then things started to go better on the
second day. The third day was also going well until I had a really big
crash on the final enduro test. I hurt my leg and back, which were
really sore on Thursday morning so my first couple of tests were bad.
Thankfully my injuries then got better. The team are very happy as we
have not been on the podium since 1999 in the junior class. Our goal was
to be on the podium, so to be second is great.’

Italian enduro veteran Alessandro Botturi played a
part in ensuring that Husaberg secured four of the 10 top spots in the
Enduro 3 class. With Oriol Mena placing an impressive runner-up, Botturi
finished a creditable fifth, and in doing so helped Italy place second
to France in the Trophy team competition. Valtteri Salonen finished
eighth in the E3 class, ensuring that Finland placed on the podium in
the Trophy Team competition, while US competitor Nathan Woods placed one
spot behind in ninth to help the USA finish fourth Trophy Team.

No fewer than 18 riders signed up to the Husaberg ‘rent
and service’ package in Morelia, with Argentina’s Kevin Benavides
making it onto the first page of the E2 class results with a strong 20th
in class. “It’s not been an easy race, but I’ve enjoyed it,” he
explained. “The Husaberg service has been really great, my bike has
run perfectly every day. Days three, four and five, were the toughest.
But the race was very nice. The only problem I had was getting stuck in
the mud on one test. I’m really happy with my performances, and to
race against so many great riders is fantastic.” One other noteworthy
Husaberg performer in the Enduro 2 class was Derrick Gorner, who
finished 22nd.

Oriol Mena charging hard on his way to a fine runner-up result in the
Enduro 3 class

The dry and dusty conditions were typical of the Mexican event

Only one of the event's special tests featured mud and water - which
caused problems for some riders

Helping Finland to third in the Trophy team competition Valtteri Salonen
rode hard throughout the week

France
poised to take World Trophy once again

Friday saw the last full day of the 2010 FIM International Six Days Enduro,
with the riders completing a new route that included a mixture of trails and
special tests from all of the previous four days. This will be the final time
that the competitors face ‘traditional’ enduro challenges during the
eighty-fifth edition of the FIM ISDE, as the final day will see all racers
battling one another at a nearby motocross circuit. In the absence of any
major problems, the leaders of each of the respective classes, both team and
individual, will be hoping for a clear run to the finish in order to clinch
their precious titles.

Delivering what was arguably their most impressive team performance of the
event so far France once again topped the Trophy Team competition, finishing
one-and-a-half minutes ahead of Finland. With Johnny Aubert (KTM) topping the
E2 class, as well as again posting the fastest overall individual performance,
Antoine Meo (Husqvarna) claimed top honours in E1 while Christophe Nambotin
(Gas Gas) won the E3 category. While France’s winning margin was a
comfortable one, just twenty-four seconds separated Finland in second with
third placed Italy.

With only the final day motocross races remaining, and with France’s
Trophy Team made up of a number of former motocross racers, the team sits a
little over ten minutes ahead of Italy, who in turn are placed four minutes up
on Finland. The USA holds fourth.

Spain again delivered the goods in the Junior Trophy competition with all
four Spanish youngsters performing strongly. Finishing one-minute ahead of
Sweden, Spain are now odds on favourites to top the Junior Trophy class. At
the end of a demanding day just five seconds separated runners up Sweden from
third placed USA. Italy and France finished fourth and fifth respectively.

Spain now holds a near six minute advantage over Sweden, and are well
placed to deliver a repeat of their 2009 Junior Trophy class win. The USA sits
third followed by France. Ten minutes separates the top four nations in the
Junior Trophy division.

Ludivine Puy was again the fastest individual female rider, ensuring France
once again topped the Women’s Cup. Finishing a massive forty-seven minutes
clear of their closest rivals France now sit more than one-hour ahead in the
overall Women’s Cup rankings. At the end of day five it was the USA who
placed second, separated from Sweden in third by just two minutes. France are
followed by the USA and Sweden headed into the final day motocross races.

France claimed a clean-sweep of the three capacity classes with Antoine Meo
extending his lead at the head of the E1 class. Twelve seconds up on Finland’s
Eero Remes (KTM), Meo now sits thirty-six clear at the top of the class. With
Team USA riders Kurt Caselli (KTM) and Mike Brown (KTM) finishing behind Meo
and Remes on day five, an all European top three of Meo, Remes and Alex
Salvini (Husqvarna) heads the E1 class with just the day six motocross races
remaining.

In the Enduro 2 class Johnny Aubert is placed close to five-and-a-half
minutes ahead of his nearest challenger having topped day five by thirty-nine
seconds. With Rodrig Thain (TM) and Juha Salminen (Husqvarna) battling it out
for the runners-up spot, the two riders finished the day with a near identical
time. With Thain securing the runner-up spot, Salminen finished third with
Manuel Monni (Yamaha) fourth. Johnny Aubert heads into the final day with a
commanding lead in the E2 class, but all is still to play for between Salminen,
Oldrati and Monni.

Christophe Nambotin claimed another E3 class win on day five, finishing
eleven seconds ahead of countryman Seb Guillaume (Husqvarna). Italians Simone
Albergoni (KTM) and Alessandro Botturi (Husaberg) placed third and fourth
while Spain’s Oriol Mena (Husaberg) finished fifth. Guillaume leads Mena by
thirty-three seconds in the overall E3 standings, with just five seconds
separating Mena from Nambotin in third, ensuring an exciting final day’s
racing at the eighty-fifth edition of the FIM International Six Days Enduro. Results

Another
report from Phil Hodges and Gail Lucas in Mexico

After 4 days everything is still going fine at the ISDE, the Mexicans have
made everybody welcome, most of the riders are having a good ride but some of
the club riders are struggling. The weather has cooled down a bit it’s been
25c today with a cool wind, all of the tests are marked out well and are good
for spectating most of the tests are in open fields but a couple of them are
in tight woods and this can be exciting when a rider gets it wrong.

Okie has had to support the USA team this year as there is no British
contingent but he has been useful when we have turned up at the service area
serving us with red wine and peanut butter sandwiches he passes on his regards
to everyone that knows him in the UK.

The New Zealand team have been really friendly and we have been cheering
them on all week.

We filled the hire car up today at the grand cost of £18.00 it’s no
wonder that every vehicle has big petrol engines here

We took a break from the bikes on Monday eve to have a look at the Noche de
Muertos festival (day of the dead) this is a festival celebrating the dead and
starts with a visit into the homes of local people where they ply you with
alcohol and food including an awful drink made of corn, the festival finishes
with a visit to the cemetery in the middle of the night to consume more
alcohol and food, it makes our Halloween look rather tame.

We have had a great time so far and cannot wait for the final motocross on
Saterday

France
move further ahead with two days to go

It was another tough day for competitors of the 2010 FIM International Six
Days Enduro as riders from all nations were once again forced to battle their
way through the tough Mexican event. Following the same route as day three,
the course for day four saw the remaining competitors forced to battle against
the elements as the bone-dry ground, chocking dust, and rock strewn course
proved to be anything but easy. In true ISDE fashion, just when most riders
were looking for relief ahead of the closing two days of the event the sun and
heat returned to exaggerate their fatigue.

France were again the nation setting the pace at the head of the Trophy
Team competition, finishing two minutes in front of their nearest competitors
on day four of the ‘Olympics of Motorcycling’. Lead once again by Johnny
Aubert (KTM) the defending Trophy Team champions edged further ahead in the
overall classification, and are now looking a sure bet to win the prestigious
class. With Aubert topping the E2 category France enjoyed a clean sweep of the
E1, E2 and E3 classes as Antoine Meo (Husqvarna) came home winner in E1 while
Christophe Nambotin (Gas Gas) finished top in E3.

While France finished comfortably ahead in the Trophy Team competition a
day-long battle between Italy and Finland raged for the runners-up spot with
the two nations separated by just eighteen seconds. Eventually it was Italy
who claimed the second place position with Finland earning third. In the
overall Trophy team classification France extended their advantage by two
minutes and now sit close to seven-and-a-half minutes clear of Italy who are
currently placed second. Finland remain third, some twelve minutes behind
France.

In the Junior Trophy team competition Spain claimed a commanding victory on
day four of the FIM ISDE proving once again to be the dominant force in the
junior division. But just as in the Trophy team class the second and third
placed Junior Trophy teams were separated by next to nothing. Team USA
eventually finished as runners-up, nineteen seconds ahead of Sweden. In the
overall Junior Trophy standings Spain now sit close to five minutes ahead,
having extended their lead by two minutes. Sweden remain second with the USA
third, but some two minutes behind the Scandinavians.

Day four proved to be extremely tough for the Women riders. France finished
a massive eight minutes ahead of second placed Sweden and in doing so extended
their lead at the top of the Women’s Cup to a staggering twenty-three
minutes. The USA placed third on the day, but sit four minutes ahead of Sweden
in the overall standings.

Antoine Meo claimed yet another E1 class win, but had to fend off the
pressure of Italy’s Alex Salvini throughout the day. With a little under
seven seconds separating the two riders Finn Eero Remes placed third, four
seconds behind Salvini. In the overall E1 standings Antoine Meo holds a
twenty-four second advantage over Finn Eero Remes. Italy’s Alex Salvini
holds third followed by the USA’s Kurt Caselli.

Once again dominating the E2 class Johnny Aubert stamped his authority on
not only the class, but also the event. Over one-minute ahead of countryman
Rodrig Thain (TM) the two French riders were followed home by Finn Juha
Salminen (Husqvarna). Aubert is now more than four-and-a-half minutes clear in
the overall E2 class standings, followed by Italy’s Thomas Oldrati (KTM) and
Juha Salminen. ISDE first timer Manuel Monni (Yamaha) sits in fourth.

In the E3 class a new name topped the results – that of Christophe
Nambotin. Making a slow start to the event Frenchman Nambotin battled
countryman Seb Guillaume during day four with the duo separated by close to
seven seconds. Third went to days one and two winner Oriol Mena. At the head
of the overall E3 class results Seb Guillaume is placed eighteen seconds ahead
of Mena with Nambotin third, thirty-one seconds behind the Spaniard. Results

2010
FIM ISDE REACHES MID-WAY STAGE

The 2010 FIM International Six Day Enduro (ISDE) reached the mid-way stage,
as the riders tackled day three of this epic ‘six day’ adventure. The new
day brought with it a new route – one that contained nine special tests,
which will also be utilised again on day four. Despite the new course the
third day proved to be anything but easy with competitors' bodies, and bikes,
starting to feel the strain. Heavy cloud cover for much of the day brought the
lowest temperatures of the week thus far, however this did little to reduce
the dust.

With the event’s fastest individual performer among their ranks France
continued to set the pace at the top of the Trophy Team competition, with
Johnny Aubert (KTM) leading the squad. With the third day bringing a new
starting order, France’s three top riders – Aubert, Antoine Meo (Husqvarna)
and Seb Guillaume (Husqvarna) – were the first competitors onto each of the
day’s special tests. Helped by Rodrig Thain (TM) and Christophe Nambotin
(Gas Gas) the French squad finished one-minute clear of second place Italy.
Finland placed third with the USA fourth.

France remains at the top of the overall Trophy Team standings, now close
to five-and-a-half minutes up on Italy. Finland sits third, close to nine
minutes adrift of France.

Spain’s youngsters continue to lead the Junior Trophy category as their
four-rider squad claimed their second day win. Placing a little over
one-minute ahead of day three runners up Sweden, just eight seconds separated
Sweden from third placed France. In the overall Junior Trophy standings Spain
have extended their lead to close to three minutes over Sweden followed by
France, Finland and the USA.

The third day of the ISDE proved to be a tough one for the women
competitors. France was the only nation to get all three of their riders to
the finish, and deservedly topped the class. The USA, who placed second, and
Sweden, who placed third, both had two riders finish. Ludivine Puy (Gas Gas)
delivered the fastest individual women’s performance, ahead of Blandine
Dufrene (Gas Gas) and USA rider Amanda Mastin (Yamaha).

Antoine Meo ended day three as the fastest E1 class rider, finishing ahead
of Finland’s Eero Remes (KTM) and Italy’s Alex Salvini (Husqvarna). Team
USA rider Kurt Caselli (KTM) placed fourth, but was unable to keep pace with
the leading trio. In the overall E1 standings Meo continues to lead with Remes
thirteen seconds behind in second while Salvini sits third.

As the event’s overall fastest performer Johnny Aubert claimed a
commanding win in the E2 class, finishing fifty-four seconds ahead of ISDE
rookie Manuel Monni (Yamaha). Third went to Finland’s Juha Salminen (Husqvarna)
with Poland’s Michal Szuster (Yamaha) claiming an impressive fourth place
result. Johnny Aubert now sits more than three minutes clear in the overall E2
standings with Italy’s Monni and Thomas Oldrati (KTM) three minutes adrift,
but separated by just ten seconds.

Oriol Mena (Husaberg) failed to top the E3 class for the first time during
the 85th ISDE as France’s Seb Guillaume beat him to the top position. Nine
seconds ahead of countryman Christophe Nambotin (Gas Gas) the E3 class saw an
all two-stroke top three as Italy’s Simone Albergoni (KTM) placed third.
Oriol Mena, E3 class winner during days one and two, placed fifteen seconds
behind Guillaume and in fifth position. Seb Guillaume now leads the E3 class
fifteen seconds ahead of Mena with Christophe Nambotin third. Results

France
extend their advantage in Morelia

Day two of the 2010 FIM International Six Day Enduro (ISDE) took place
under slightly cooler skies, with occasional cloud cover offering the riders
some relief from the otherwise blistering Mexican heat. But whilst the weather
may have been kinder to the competitors it still proved to be a challenging
day, both on the time controls and in the special tests. With the course
showing the effects of having been ridden on day one, racing in Morelia was
every bit as exciting as on the opening day.

For Trophy team leaders France it was an eventful day – one in which team
riders came close to winning the E1, E2, and E3 classes. As it turned out
Antoine Meo (Husqvarna) lead home the E1 class riders while Johnny Aubert (KTM)
did exactly the same to top the E2 category. In the E3 class Seb Guillaume (Husqvarna)
missed the top spot by a fraction of a second, but played an important role in
ensuring France claimed a second consecutive Trophy team class win.

However it was not all good news for France as Nicolas Deparrois (Kawasaki)
damaged a radiator early in the day and was forced to change the leaking part,
losing ten minutes and eventually finishing forty-seventh in E2. The team’s
final rider Rodrig Thain placed fifth in E2, despite getting stuck in one of
the day’s nine special tests. France’s impressive performances saw them
extend their lead to close to four-and-a-half minutes ahead of second placed
Italy.

Second in the Trophy Team competition Italy finished just over two minutes
behind France with Alex Salvini delivering the team’s best performance with
second in the E1 class. Finland’s Trophy Team produced a solid day and hold
third, some six minutes behind France. USA are placed fourth with Poland and
Chile fifth and sixth. Poland’s most experienced competitor Bartosz Oblucki
failed to finish the day.

In the Junior Trophy competition it was Sweden who claimed the day win,
helped greatly by consistently fast riding from all of their four team members
and a costly mistake on one of the special tests by Spanish rider Victor
Guerrero, who got stuck in a muddy rut in much the same way as France Trophy
team rider Rodrig Thain did. Finishing nine seconds ahead of Spain and
reducing the Spaniards overall class lead, Henrik Lindholm (KTM) produced
Sweden’s best performance.

Behind Sweden and Spain it was France who placed third. After two days of
competition Spain’s youngsters remain out front, over one-and-a-half minutes
up on Sweden. With all four of the team’s riders performing well their stand
out rider was again Oriol Mena (Husaberg). Winner of the E3 class on day one,
Mena claimed a second consecutive class win, managing to stay ahead of
eventual E3 runner-up Seb Guillaume by the narrowest of margins.

As well as staying at the top of the Trophy Team results France also stay
as the nation to beat in the Women’s Cup. Finishing five minutes ahead of
Sweden at the end of the second day’s competition France are now placed ten
minutes ahead of Sweden in the overall Women’s Cup classification. At the
end of a day in which all but two countries saw at least one of their women
riders fail to finish, France’s Blandine Dufrene was the fastest women
racer.

When it comes to the individual capacity classes France’s Antoine Meo (Husqvarna)
leads the way in E1 ahead of Finland’s Eero Remes (KTM) and Italian Alex
Salvini (Husqvarna). In the E2 category France’s Johnny Aubert (KTM) has
already amassed a sizeable near two-and-a-half minute advantage over Italians
Manuel Monni (Yamaha) and Thomas Oldrati (KTM). Spain’s Oriol Mena (Husaberg)
sits at the top of the E3 class, less than half a second ahead of France’s
Seb Guillaume. Third is another Frenchman, Christophe Nambotin (Gas Gas),
while Mexico’s top performer Homero Diaz sits a highly creditable fifth. Results

France
declare their intent on Day One

The eighty-fifth edition of the FIM International Six Day Enduro (ISDE) got
underway beneath clear blue skies with the sun burning hot overhead in Morelia.
As the clock turned to eight hundred hours exactly the first three riders left
the starting ramp under the order of the state governor. From the hill top
parc ferme, which boasts stunning panoramic views of the historic city of
Morelia below, the riders headed off into the distance to start the first of
six days of competition. Including nine special tests the opening day proved a
challenging, and largely dry and dusty, one.

As expected it was France who topped the Trophy Team results at the end of
the opening day’s competition. With their six-man team boasting E1 World
champion Antoine Meo (Husqvarna), 2009 overall ISDE winner Christophe Nambotin
(Gas Gas), and 2009 Enduro 2 World champion (KTM) they placed two-and-a-half
minutes ahead of second placed team Italy.

Johnny Aubert (KTM) led the team during the opening day as he dominated the
proceedings in the Enduro 2 class. Finishing one-minute ahead of his nearest
competitor Aubert showed that he is going to be a force to be reckoned with
during the event. Three of the top four Enduro 2 class riders were French,
with Rodrig Thain placing second and Nicolas Deparrois fourth – their
combined results helping France start the event exactly as many expected them
to. Antoine Meo finished as a close runner-up in the E1 class, with Seb
Guillaume (Husqvarna) and Christophe Nambotin second and eighth respectively
in E3.

Behind France it was Italy and Finland rounding out the top three. Team USA
placed fourth ahead of Poland and Chile.

In the Junior Trophy Team category Spain took an early lead as they look to
repeat their 2009 success. Helped massively by the performance of Oriol Mena (Husaberg)
who was the fastest rider in the Enduro 3 class, the team finished close to
two minutes ahead of Sweden. Another Spanish rider delivering a strong result
was Victor Guerrero (Yamaha) in the Enduro 1 class.

Placing fifth and only twenty-seven seconds behind E1 winner Eero Remes,
Victor was followed by countryman Mario Roman (KTM) who finished eleventh and
as one of the highest placed two-stroke riders in the E1 class. The team’s
fourth member, Lorenzo Santolino (KTM), ended the opening day in twelfth in
the E2 category. In following the Spanish team home Sweden delivered a strong,
and somewhat unexpectedly impressive, start to the event. Third was France
with Finland fourth and USA fifth.

Opening up a commanding lead at the head of the Women’s Cup was France.
Last years winners finished over four minutes ahead of Germany with Ludivine
Puy (Gas Gas) producing the fastest individual women’s performance. Third
went to Sweden with USA fourth. Results

Oriol Mena leads Husaberg charge

As
one of the 370 riders competing in this year's International Six Days
Enduro Oriol Mena has his sights set on success

If there’s one thing Husaberg’s Oriol Mena and his three Spanish
team mates are focused on it’s retaining their title as Junior
Trophy team champions at this year’s International Six days Enduro,
staged in Morelia, Mexico. Winners of the prestigious award last year
in Portugal, the team that features Mena as one of the star
performers starts this year’s event as the junior squad to beat.
And with conditions likely to suit the four experienced riders few
are betting against Sp ain claiming a consecutive Junior Trophy team
class win.

As ’09 Enduro Junior World Champion, and with a year’s
experience in the competitive Enduro 3 World Championship, Oriol is
the team’s most experienced rider. But competing alongside him is
’10 EJ World Champion Lorenzo Santolino and ’10 Youth Cup winner
Mario Roman. Add to that trio the hard charging Victor Guerrero and
it’s easy to see why the Spanish junior team is tipped for more
success.

"We have the same team as last year, which is a very strong
team," commented Oriol as he placed his bike in the parc ferme.
"We only have one goal, which is to win. All of the team’s
riders are very experienced and we feel like we are in a very strong
position to win again. Of course anything can happen at the six days
but we are all looking forward to the event.

“Mexico
is the place where I won the Enduro Junior World Championship last
year, so it’s a special place for me. The conditions are also
similar to Spain – dry, dusty with many stones – so that is very
good for the Spanish riders. I’ve walked all of the special test
with the rest of the team and they look good so hopefully everything
will go well. One thing that is unique here is that all bikes have
less power because of the high altitude."

While Mena is the rider expected to lead Husaberg's assault on the
85th running of the event six other Husaberg riders are also hoping
for noteworthy results. Competing for the Swedish Junior Trophy team
is Calle Sjoo. With the team's container held up in customs Calle,
like all Swedish riders, had a lot less time to prepare for the event
that hoped, but is looking to end '10 with a strong result. Competing
alongside Calle in the Swedish Junior Trophy Team will be Kalle
Svensson, who makes his first race on a TE300.

Once again a member of the Finnish Trophy team Valtteri Salonen
will be doing his best to ensure that the Finns put themselves in a
position to challenge Trophy team favorites France. With no Swedish
Trophy team in Mexico Joakim Ljunggren remains at home in Sweden
where he's preparing for the upcoming Indoor Enduro World
Championship.

Two
Husaberg riders will represent the States in Mexico - Nathan Woods
who races as a member of the Trophy team, and Nick Fahringer who's
competing for the US Junior Trophy.

But the ISDE isn't only about the riders looking to secure
trophies - it’s much more for the enduro world, almost like the
Olympic Games for track and field. Once again amateur riders make up
the majority of participants, most of them competing in club teams.
For them the participation in the ISDE involves a lot of
organisational and financial efforts.

In order to support these privateers, Husaberg established a
rental bike and race service program to help minimise these efforts
for Husaberg customers. The response was overwhelming and no less
than 20 riders from six countries using this service in Morelia,
which includes a fully equipped and prepared race bike as well as
technical support and assistance and availability of spare parts
throughout the whole race.

The 2010 International Six Days Enduro starts on Monday, November
1 and finishes on Saturday, November 7. The event will be based in
the grounds of the Nuevo Morelia Shopping Mall, which is five
kilometers from the city centre. The total length of the course will
be approximately 1’300km. Days one and two will feature two laps of
120km with four time controls and four special tests each lap. Days
three and four will feature two laps of 125km each day, again with
four time controls and four special tests per lap.

The penultimate day will see competitors complete two laps with
four time controls and four special tests, with the sixth and final
day featuring just two time controls before riders reach the final
day motocross, which will take place at the Autodromo El Aguila.
Host city Morelia is situated in the north central part of the state
of Michoacan in central Mexico, and is the capital city of the state.
The Spanish took control of the city in 1520 with the original
settlement named Valladolid in 1541. After the Mexican War of
Independence the city was renamed Morelia. In ’91 the city was
named a World Heritage Site due to its preserved colonial buildings.

FIM ISDE - Mexico Awaits

Can anyone stop France winning the Trophy team competition at the
85th edition of the International Six Days Enduro (ISDE)? That is the
question most are asking as the countdown to the 2010 ISDE in Morelia,
Michoacan, Mexico continues with the event just a few days away.

Although France will be gunning for a hat-trick of victories, the
ISDE can be an unpredictable race where consistency is a major player
for a top result. Both Italy and Finland who line up as contenders to
take the challenge to France have this trait in abundance. Italy's
top players of Thomas Oldrati (KTM) and Simone Albergoni (KTM) both
finished third in the E2 and E3 classes of the FIM Enduro World
Championship (FWEC) this season, while Oldrati also grabbed a class
win.

Finland is led by the experienced Juha Salminen (Husqvarna). Seven
times a FIM Enduro World Champion and six times a winning member of
the Finish ISDE squad, Salminen knows exactly what it takes to be in
contention of victory by the end of the six days racing. Backing him
will be Eero Remes (KTM) who must also be considered a contender for
overall E1 honours having finished third in the FWEC E1 class, tied
on points with Aubert.

If France start the race as favourites for the World Trophy class
then Spain must be contenders for the Junior Trophy class win.
Clinching victory in Portugal last year, the Spanish team start with
the winning combination of Oriol Mena (Husaberg), Lorenzo Santolino (KTM),
Victor Guerrero (Yamaha) and Mario Roman (KTM).
With both Santolino and Roman the 2010 FWEC Junior and Youth Cup
champions respectively, along with Mena's exceptional showing as a
rookie in this year's E3 class, Spain will cross this year's ISDE
starting line in a much stronger position than they did twelve months
ago.

Out to stop them will be France, led by Jeremy Joly (Honda). Joly
is coming off a strong finish to this season's FWEC Junior class that
saw him fall short of taking Santolino's title. Having won the final
day of the FWEC championship in France outright, his confidence
entering Mexico will no doubt be at an all time high, encouraging his
team mates to take the fight to their Spanish rivals.

Having easily topped the Women's Trophy class for the last two
years, France yet again arrive in Mexico as favourites led by
Ludivine Puy (Gas Gas) the current FIM Women's Enduro World Champion.

The 2010 International Six Days Enduro starts on Monday, November
1 and finishes on Saturday, November 7. The event will be based in
the grounds of the Nuevo Morelia Shopping Mall, which is five
kilometres from the city centre. The total length of the course will
be approximately one thousand three hundred kilometres. Days one and
two will feature two laps of over one hundred kilometres with four
time controls and four special tests each lap.

Days three and four will feature two laps of one hundred and
twenty five kilometres each day, again with four time controls and
four special tests per lap. The penultimate day will see competitors
complete two laps with four time controls and four special tests,
with the sixth and final day featuring just two time controls before
riders reach the final day motocross, which will take place at the
Autodromo El Aguila.

Host city Morelia is situated in the north central part of the
state of Michoacan in central Mexico, and is the capital city of the
state. The Spanish took control of the city in 1520 with the original
settlement named Valladolid in 1541. After the Mexican War of
Independence the city was renamed Morelia. In 1991 the city was named
a World Heritage Site due to its preserved colonial buildings.

The International Six Day Enduro (ISDE) is the very first and
longest standing annual competition in the Federation Internationale
de Motocyclisme (FIM) racing calendar dating back to 1913. Originally
called the International Six Day Trial (ISDT) the event is a
team-based competition whereby competitors set aside their personal
rivalries to compete as a nation. Though the format of the race has
changed since its inception the ethos of the event still remains the
same.

Designed to fully test man and machine against the elements, early
editions of the event were tests of machine reliability and speed
tests held on open roads. The motorcycles had to be manufactured in
the national team’s own country – this rule would be cancelled
after World War II. The initial running of the ISDT was held in
Carlisle, England and was won by the Great Britain team of WB Gibb,
WB Little and Ch R Collier.

Though
the event saw a high rate of machine failure it proved itself to be a
success and since then the FIM have held the event on an annual basis
with its only hiatus during World War I and World War II. In 1924 a
second category called the Vase Trophy was introduced as an
additional class for national teams with riders using motorcycles
from other countries.

The 1939 ISDT did take place in Salzburg, Germany amidst the
ominous threat of war. Germany provisionally won the event but due to
official declaration of war much confusion surrounded the results,
which could not be approved on the spot and were definitely cancelled
after the War.

In 1981 the word “Enduro” was officially adopted, and thus the
event changed its name from the ISDT to become known as the ISDE.
Four years later, the Vase Trophy was renamed Junior Trophy for
riders under twenty-three years of age.

In the World Trophy story, Great Britain held the most victories
with sixteen, just one ahead of Czechoslovakia with fifteen. British
team’s last win was in 1953, while Czechoslovakia’s first win was
in 1947, and the last one was in 1982. Italy comes in third with
fourteen victories, but their last win was in 2007 (World Trophy) and
2008 (Junior). Beside Italy, current top teams are Finland, Sweden,
France and Spain.

With the advancement of modern machinery, today's courses are
solely “off road” and sees riders covering as much as one
thousand five hundred kilometres during the event. The ISDE continues
to be a true test of rider skill, speed and endurance along with
requiring a competent level of mechanical knowledge to maintain their
motorcycle for six continuous days of competition. Riders must solely
maintain their motorcycles for the entire week with no mechanical
assistance allowed.

The
final day now culminates with a motocross race. It is one of the last
remaining competitions whereby both professional and amateur
competitors come together to compete shoulder to shoulder at the same
time. Though Scandinavian countries have earned the most Trophy wins
in recent times, awards are also presented on an individual basis in
the order of gold, silver and bronze medals.

Gold is awarded to those who finish within ten percent of their
class winner’s time, silver to those within forty percent and all
remaining finishers (within the allotted time) receive bronze.
British rider Paul Edmondson (right) holds the all time ISDE record
of sixteen individual gold medals. In 2007 a Women's Trophy class
also was introduced and won by the United States though France have
remained the dominant force since.

The ISDE now attracts over five hundred riders from up to
thirty-two countries each year cementing its reputation as the most
prestigious and long established event in the racing calendar.